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WFP’s Response in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq Situation Report # 24 Reporting Period: 14-20 October 2012 Fighting Hunger Worldwide

HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES JORDAN – In the first October cycle of dry rations, WFP reached over 18,000 beneficiaries in Al Za’atri camp. The second cycle of dry ration distribution started on 16 October and will be completed on 25 October. To date, UNHCR has installed 104 kitchens in the camp. LEBANON – WFP has started the October cycle distribution of food vouchers to 65,000 refugees in the Bekaa Valley and the North. The distribution of food parcels will continue for newcomers in both areas through the Danish Refugee Council (DRC). During the reporting period, the first October cycle food parcel and voucher distributions took place in Tripoli; around 11,700 individuals (2,489 households) received 111 food parcels and 11,055 food-vouchers. WFP Bekaa Valley handed over to its partners a total of 25,199 printed vouchers for over 5,500 families for the first round of the October cycle. IRAQ – WFP has signed a Field Level Agreement with Islamic Relief Worldwide Iraq (IR) for the implementation of the value-based voucher programme, to support 10 -15,000 Syrian nationals in the Kurdistan Region. TURKEY - WFP and Kizilay have distributed 1,987 cards to cover the needs of 12,215 beneficiaries in Kilis camp. Cards were distributed to one household member per container; 74% of the cards were issued to women. The Head of the Response Division at Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency made a request for WFP and Kizilay to expand the programme to cover all of the camps in Turkey.

Voucher beneficiaries in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. © WFP/ Maria Anguera de Sojo

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WFP Refugee Emergency Response in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq Sitrep #24, 20 October, 2012

Jordan SITUATION UPDATE As of 21 October, UNHCR has registered 58,622 Syrian nationals in Jordan, with 31,094 awaiting registration appointments. The number of beneficiaries in King Abdullah Park (KAP), in Ramtha, decreased from 1,000 to 950 as

refugees moved to Cyber city and Al Za’atri camps to be reunited with family members. UNHCR is performing a verification exercise to determine accurate figures for the number of beneficiaries in Al Za’atri camp.

WFP RESPONSE In October, WFP plans to assist 41,000 Syrian refugees through its voucher programme. WFP’s voucher programme cooperating partners Islamic Relief Worldwide, Save the Children and Human Relief Foundation are distributing vouchers to beneficiaries for the first October cycle and have reached over 23,000 beneficiaries thus far; distribution is ongoing. WFP completed the last day of hot meal distribution in King Abdullah Park (KAP) and Al Za’atri camp on 16 October. Since then, WFP is distributing welcome meals together with UNHCR complimentary packs in KAP until an adequate shop is set up and the voucher program can be implemented. Dry ration, complimentary pack and tent-by-tent bread distribution is ongoing in Al Za’atri camp. In addition, WFP provided 2,670 welcome meals to new arrivals in Al Za’atri camp. Welcome meals are now being distributed in lieu of hot meals on a daily basis to patients hospitalized at the French and Moroccan health clinics in Al Za’atri camp. The second cycle of dry ration distribution that started on 16 October will be concluded on 25 October in Al Za’atri camp. During this cycle, cooperating partner Save the Children simultaneously distributed coupon booklets that beneficiaries can redeem for bread at the food distribution point, once re-fencing is completed. Distributions were orderly and beneficiaries noted their appreciation for the quick processing time and amenities provided in the waiting hall such as water, seating and shade. The WFP two-week rations consist of: bulgur wheat, lentils, pasta, rice, sugar and vegetable oil. WFP has sufficient stock for the first cycle of the November dry ration distribution in Al Za’atri camp. Pasta will be discontinued from the food basket following the completion of the second cycle of October distributions and together with wheat flour, be replaced by the daily distribution of fresh bread. WFP is working on a conversion plan for wheat flour to bread through the 2

current supplier. Salt will be added to the food basket for the first cycle of November dry ration distributions As of 16 October, UNHCR reports that it has opened 107 communal kitchens in Al Za’atri camp. The kitchen facilities will allow beneficiaries to prepare their own meals and diversify their food consumption. Assessments: The interagency General Nutrition Survey will begin data collection in Al Za’atri camp on 22 October. Data collection for host communities is ongoing, with plans to be completed by 25 October. Monitoring: During this reporting period, WFP field monitors visited and monitored four shops, four distribution sites including 27 beneficiary surveys and interviewed 40 beneficiaries using the post-distribution monitoring tool. Field monitors also logged 84 calls through the voucher hotline mostly pertaining to clarification issues for new arrivals and allowed commodities. The harmonization of monitoring tools continued this week during a meeting with CO Lebanon. Both countries agreed to monitor the same indicators and successfully harmonized the Shop Monitoring and Distribution Monitoring tools. Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Turkey COs are working to align their monitoring tools to prepare for the installation of a shared voucher database. On 17 October, a meeting was held with the Regional VAM officer to advise on food security modules to be included in the post-distribution monitoring and Market Survey tool. Coordination: On 15 October, WFP and UNHCR organized a meeting with the men’s and women's refugee committees in Al Za’atri camp to remind the community that the transition from hot meals to dry food would take place on 16 October. This meeting ensured a smooth shift in WFP’s food assistance to dry rations. The joint WFP-UNHCR Cash and Protection study which plans to look at the implications of cash and voucher

WFP Refugee Emergency Response in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq Sitrep #24, 20 October, 2012

assistance to Syrian refugees in Jordan is currently under way. The study will be based on focus groups including key informants and beneficiaries from

UNHCR’s cash and WFP’s voucher assistance modalities. A presentation of results will follow the completion of the study.

Lebanon SITUATION UPDATE To date, 70,440 Syrian refugees are registered with UNHCR in Lebanon; an additional 30,000 are awaiting registration bringing the total number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon to around 100,000. UNHCR has set up a registration centre in Arsal where it has already registered over 4,000 refugees in the past two weeks. Due to escalation of violence in Syria during the reporting period, the Bekaa Valley has experienced a new influx of refugees. According to various NGOs in the field, about 400 new families (2,000 people) have

crossed the border in search for refuge in the areas of al Qaa, Aarsal and Baalbek; primary needs have been provided by different actors including the ICRC, the Emirates Red Crescents and local donations. Most of these families are currently being registered with UNHCR in Arsal as they arrive. DRC will assess newcomers who will not have the opportunity to register with UNHCR this week and will provide necessary food coverage through the WFP Newcomer programme.

WFP RESPONSE In the North, between 16-18 October, the first food and non-food item distribution under the October cycle started in Tripoli. During these three days (out of four), around 11,698 individuals received 111 food parcels and 11,054 food-vouchers. Through DRC, WFP has delivered food parcels to 234 newcomer vulnerable Syrian households since mid-September. ECHO has funded these food parcels. In the Bekaa Valley, WFP handed over to its partners a total of 25,199 printed vouchers for the first round of the October cycle. This month there will be no food parcel distribution for refugees in remote areas. The refugees who would normally receive food parcels due to the remoteness of their location have expressed their preference to receive food vouchers even if they have to pay for transportation to access the nearest shop. So far, WFP cooperating partners have finalised the first round of distribution in Saadnayel, Zahle and Qaab Elias in Central Bekaa (WV) and in Arsal, Al Ain, Fakhia for North Bekaa (DRC). Assessments: Based on shop evaluations regarding voucher misuse, World Vision (WV) and Danish Refugee Council (DRC) sent reminder letters to all contracted shops. WV also sent warning letters to the violators. The joint UNICEF-WFP Nutrition Survey report is being prepared for Lebanon. Completion of the report is

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WFP Refugee Emergency in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq Sitrep #24, 20 October 2012

expected by the end of October, thanks to the support of the WFP Regional Nutrition Officer. Once recruited, the new Beirut Field Assistant Monitors will go with the Beirut Senior Programme Assistant to Qobayat for one week to familiarize themselves with the voucher programme. Shop assessments in the South will start immediately thereafter with the support of the Qobayat Programme assistant in order to capitalize on the expertise of the sub-offices. Monitoring: During the reporting period, the Bekaa Valley team conducted shop visits (post-distribution monitoring and price monitoring) in Central and North Bekaa and visited four distribution centres. Highlights from the previous week’s monitoring include:  The distribution process in Al-Ain, Fekha, Arsal and Qab-Elias was well organized in terms of crowd control, waiting time and pre-informing beneficiaries by SMS.  All visited shops were clean and the quality of the food was good.  Shopkeepers are satisfied with the benefit and impact of the voucher programme on their business, which can be visible directly after the distribution. On 12, 15 and 19 October, WFP staff made the monthly post-distribution monitoring shop visits and prices survey in the 48 selected shops in the North. Data analysis is ongoing.

Coordination: WFP Emergency Coordinator (EC) met with UNHCR Deputy Representative to discuss the extension of the programme to the South. It was agreed that UNHCR will share with WFP the preliminary population figures for the South to enable WFP’s targeting of priority areas for voucher assistance, which is planned to start early December. WFP Emergency Coordinator met with World Vision’s National Director Lebanon, Regional Food Assistance Advisor and Special Advisor for enhancement of the Lebanon Operation. During the meeting, the EC discussed how to improve WV’s implementation of the programme and stressed the need for WV to rapidly reinforce its management capacity at the field level. WFP, IOM and the Government’s High Relief Commission (HRC) had a technical meeting to discuss the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding defining the roles and responsibilities of each organisation regarding the assistance to Lebanese returnees fleeing from Syria. HRC is the only governmental institution leading this response in the country and will coordinate the assistance. IOM intends to deliver the data concerning the Lebanese returnees to HRC, which will be the owner of the database and will share this information with cooperating partners. The EC held consultations with potential partners for the programme in the South. The EC met with Terre des Homme (TDH) Italy and Save the Children. A meeting with Premiere Urgence has been postponed

till next Wednesday. Consultation with ACF is planned for next week. On 19 October, WFP participated in the second UNHCRled Cash Transfer Programming Working Group meeting to discuss the terms of reference of the Working Group and a number of issues including: harmonization of tools and approaches; planning for an expansion of projects in 2013; technical issues and constraints on the NGOs to shift from in-kind assistance to cash assistance. Attendees agreed to roll out a pilot project in the South to allow time for preparation of the cash transfer programme implementation, mainly directed to NFIs and rental costs. WFP informed the attendees that it is planning to shift for electronic vouchers within 2-3 months. Bekaa Valley HoSO and DRC visited local authorities in Hermel to discuss the programme progress and challenges and to share the actions that will be taken against misbehaving shops. A visit to Baalbeck also took place to assess the potential schedule for the ED visit at the beginning of November. WFP attended a Distribution Sector Coordination meeting in Bekaa. Bekaa Valley SO Programme Assistant attended a three-day SPHERE training organised by Oxfam GB.

Iraq SITUATION UPDATE As of 17 October, UNHCR reported that there are 41,955 registered refugees in Iraq. The majority are in Kurdistan Governorates: 26,702 in Dohuk, 5,709 in Erbil and 1,655 in Suleimaniyah. The remaining, 7,889 Syrian refugees are in Al Qaim in Anbar Governorate. UNHCR reports that some 13,000 refugees currently reside in Domiz camp, while others move between the camp and host communities due to a lack of formal shelter facilities.

Food prices during the first week of October in Dahuk indicate relatively stable market prices for cereals, sugar, salt and meat; however there has been a 1012% increase in the price of pulses and vegetable oil. WFP plans to conduct regular price monitoring in Erbil and Suleimaniyah. Trade between the Kurdistan Region of Iraq with Turkey and Iran is operating normally, with many trucks carrying goods including various food items.

WFP RESPONSE In September, WFP and Islamic Relief Worldwide Iraq (IR), working in partnership with Barzani Foundation, distributed 133.3 mt of food to 10,212 Syrian refugees in Domiz camp. 4

WFP Refugee Emergency in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq Sitrep #24, 20 October 2012

The commencement of the October distribution cycle is postponed due to the delay in the arrival of 162 mt of food commodities procured from Turkey. WFP is expecting the commodities to arrive from Turkey in

October. DDM is providing emergency rations in the camp until the shipment arrives and WFP can resume food distributions. WFP’s cooperating partners are prepared for the next in-kind food distributions as soon as the commodities are received in Domiz camp. The procurement of 362 mt of food commodities for a two-month ration (October-November) for 10-15,000 refugees in Al Qaim is in process. The rations will be comprised of fortified wheat flour, rice, vegetable oil, sugar, lentils and salt. A separate procurement of 162 mt of food from Jordan is ongoing to cover the urgent needs of 10,000 Syrian refugees in Al Qaim camp. The delivery is expected to arrive in early November. A further procurement has started for additional food rations

for November and December to assist up to 20,000 refugees expected in Al Qaim by the end of the year. During the reporting period, WFP participated in several coordination meetings in Domiz camp including sub-working groups on education and health and the regular UNHCR-led camp coordination meeting for the month of October. The meetings discussed camp construction and relocation plans, coordination of assistance to refugees, additional needs in light of winterization and improved camp infrastructure and food assistance. The UNHCR Public Health Officer recommended increasing kilocalories for refugees during the winter; WFP has suggested that this recommendation be formalized for review through WFP’s budget revision process.

Turkey SITUATION UPDATE According to the official figures reported by the Government of Turkey on 17 October, 101,834 Syrians are registered and accommodated across 14 camps in seven provinces. Reportedly, there are more than 10,000 Syrians across the border of Kilis and Hatay. The borders are open; however the process of admission is slow and occurs in small groups. Reportedly, about 6-8,000 people are across the border on the Syrian side of Kilis Öncüpınar and Kizilay (Turkish Red Crescent) is

providing humanitarian assistance at the zero point of the border. The authorities also reported that there are some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including Turkish NGOs on the Syrian side providing humanitarian assistance on a daily basis to the Syrians waiting at the Syrian customs area. WFP Turkey continues to monitor ongoing tension on the Syrian-Turkish border; the overall security situation is still generally safe and secure despite recent cross-border firing.

WFP RESPONSE Through the Electronic Food Card programme, WFP and Kizilay will assist around 13,000 Syrians in Kilis and will expand to Hatay over the coming weeks to cover more than 25,000 people. Based on the Government’s request to increase further the assistance in Turkey, WFP is now planning to reach 40,000 beneficiaries by the end of 2012; this is an increase from the original planning figure of 30,000. Initial reactions indicate that beneficiaries are thoroughly satisfied with the programme. Since the launch of the programme, WFP and Kizilay have distributed 1,987 cards to cover the needs of 12,215 beneficiaries in Kilis camp. Cards were distributed to one household member per container; 74% of the cards were issued to women. There are 34 cards that have not been distributed because the intended owners were not present during distribution. An

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initial payment to cover two weeks worth of food has been made, and the next payment to cover the first two weeks of November will be made on 1 November. WFP is working to establish a presence in Gaziantep city to oversee operations in Kilis and other areas as the programme expands. During the WFP Regional Director’s mission, WFP received Government commitment to authorise the establishment of the sub-office. Assessments: WFP is now preparing to launch the evoucher programme in Hatay. A WFP and Kizilay mission to Hatay is planned for 22 October. WFP is now undertaking joint planning with the Government to determine where expansion should occur next.

WFP Refugee Emergency Response in Jordan, Lebanon Turkey and Iraq Sitrep #24, 20 September 2012

Coordination: The Electronic Food Card Programme was officially launched by WFP and Kizilay 13 October. On 14 October, WFP, TRC, AFAD, MoFA and local authorities undertook a launch event in Kilis camp in coordination with the local Government; the launch events were attended by WFP Regional Director, WFP Regional Refugee Emergency Coordinator, high-level representatives from the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). WFP is receiving strong support from all levels of the Government with the Local Governor and Sub Governor responsible for Kilis participating in the launch event at Kilis camp. The Head of the Response Division at AFAD made a request for WFP and Kizilay to expand the programme to cover all of the camps in Turkey. On 19 October,

WFP met with Kizilay and AFAD to plan for this expansion. AFAD or MoFA will provide WFP with a written request to increase assistance to cover all camps and a request for 15,000 sets of household cooking facilities. WFP will confirm to the Government that it will work with partners to provide the cooking facilities. On 15 October, WFP and the UN Country Team held a joint donor briefing in Ankara to discuss needs for the Syrian refugee response. The Government has called for a follow up donor meeting on the 22 October; WFP will also attend this. On 16 October, WFP Turkey staff and the WFP Regional Refugee Emergency Coordinator toured the Kizilay Disaster Response Centre, including a tour of the tent manufacturing facilities and warehouses.

Regional Coordination and Resource Mobilization On 19 October, the Project Review Committee (PRC) approved budget revision number 4 of the Regional Refugee Emergency Operation (EMOP). In line with the recently launched update to the interagency Refugee Response Plan (RRP3), the regional EMOP is now targeting some 460,000 Syrian Refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq at a total cost of US$62.7 million. During the reporting period, the Regional Cell was engaged in preparatory activities for the WFP

contingency planning meeting in Amman for Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Turkey. The contingency planning meeting will be held from 22-23 October. The Regional Bureau Programme Advisor (VAM), was in Amman for two days to discuss expectations for the various assessments planned in the coming months including: WFP-UNHCR Joint Assessment Mission, Nutrition Survey, Food Security Monitoring and Bulletin and Food Consumption Score Baseline and Survey.

Resource update (based on requirements for Budget Revision 4, still under approval): EMOP TOTAL

Requirements (US$) 62,691,409

Resourced (US$) 32,090,436

Shortfalls (US$) 30,600,973

Percent Shortfall 49%

USA, Japan, ECHO, Switzerland, Canada, UN CERF, SRAC (USA), UK, SRAC (SWE) have contributed to the EMOP

For further information contact: Ms. Abeer Etefa, Sr. Regional Public Information Officer +20 1066634352 [email protected]

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WFP Refugee Emergency Response in Jordan, Lebanon Turkey and Iraq Sitrep #24, 20 September 2012